By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The leadership of National Association of Nigeria Students'(NANS) has condemned the increment of school fees across tertiary institutions.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by Giwa Yisa Temitope, National PRO, NANS on Saturday.
Giwa said “The increment of school fees at UNILAG and the planned increment across tertiary institutions in the country has shown insensitivity on the side of government adding that this action is ridiculous and embarrassing that a new government will be introducing fees increment in all sectors without thinking of rescuing over 133 million Nigerian people from multidimensional poverty.
According to Giwa,increment in fees across tertiary institutions will only further complicate the poverty situation of the country and also increase the number of out-of-school children.
“As an association, we believe that the Nigerian government has what it takes to massively fund education and make it accessible. In fact, the students’ loan that was introduced by the Federal Government is nothing but a sham and a bait to lure the Nigerian people into accepting increment in fees payable. Beyond the fact that the terms of the loan is ridiculous, history has taught us that not every applicant will be considered. And, even if all of them were to be considered, it still does not justify increment in an economy that tops unemployment index”,Giwa noted.
Speaking further,the NANS PRO said rather than give loan, the government must provide for grants and scholarships for students.
The NANS PRO further said that there is no justification for increment in school fees across our tertiary institutions and even Unity schools adding that Our demand is clear and simple; the attempt to increase school fees must be suspended. And, those that have floated it must reverse it with immediate effect.
We therefore call on Nigerian students to brace up and be prepared for an all-round protest as was done during the prolonged ASUU strike until the Federal Government reverses this policy,Giwa explained.